wildlife survey routes are to be recorded on the same data sheets and maps used 

 during the baseline study, and identified in the "level" column as to area, using 

 the revised code shown in Appendix B. Locations of all recorded observations 

 within the mine study area will be plotted on 7. 5 'maps. All data (including data 

 sheets and maps) will be stored by the DNRC in order to take maximim advantage of 

 the computer data storage and retrieval system and other data storage techniques 

 developed during the baseline study. The proposed mining area will be the "ex- 

 perimental" site, and the remainder of the study area will serve as a control. 

 These data will allow documentation of possible mine-related changes in distri- 

 bution, density, and habitat use. 



Waterfowl Survey and Census 



All waterfowl observations made during monitoring should be recorded on the 

 waterfowl data sheets used in the baseline study. In addition, it is recommended 

 that censuses be taken of all bodies of water in the mine study area three times 

 annually: once between 10 May and 22 May, to census early nesters such as mal- 

 lards and pintails; once between 2 June and 20 June to census other species; and 

 once between 15 July and 30 July to census broods as suggested by Brewster et al. 

 (1976J, Stewart and Kantrud (1973), Hamnond 1969, and Berg 0956). In addition to re- 

 cording all waterfowl observations on the data sheets mentioned above, census re- 

 sults (based on number of segregated pairs, lone males, mixed groups, excess lone 

 females, and certain male groups as recommended by Stewart and Kantrud 0973) and 

 Hammond (1969): 247-248)) should be recorded separately. These data will be used to 

 determine year-to-year, weather-related changes in waterfowl use and density in 

 the area; as well as mine-related changes. 



Monitoring of Raptor Nests 



All raptor nests located in the mine study area during 1977 should be visited 

 each June to determine productivity; all new nests located during monitoring 

 should be examined in all subsequent years. 



Monitoring of Leks 



All leks located in the mine study area during 1977 should be visited twice 

 in April or early May to determine the number of males in attendance. All new 

 leaks located during monitoring should be examined in all subsequent years. 



Roadside Wildlife Survey 



Each of the five roadside wildlife survey routes should be run in May, June 

 and July of each year, using methods outlined in the baseline study and following 

 the 1977 dates as closely as possible. During the year prior to mining, and pos- 

 sibly at five-year intervals thereafter, it is suggested that the five routes be 

 run monthly, as in the baseline study. Since observer bias is so important in this 

 survey (see figure 48), it is recommended that the same observer make all runs, 

 where possible. Should a change in observer be unavoidable, it is suggested that 



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